Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who do I see on my campus about resources for student veterans?
2. How do I know if I am eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance?
3. What is considered full time enrollment at Queensborough Community College?
4. What happens if I drop or withdraw from a course during the semester?
5. I have registered for courses and am now waiting for my benefits to be processed. How do I prevent my courses from being dropped while waiting?
6. There seems to be a discrepancy with my bill.  Who do I contact on campus to ask about this?
7. How do I know if I am taking courses that are required in my major/curriculum?
8. Is it possible to attain college credit for military service?
9. Are VA educational benefits taxable?
10. What happens if I am activated during the semester?
11. If I am a member of the New York State Air/Army National Guard or New York State Naval Militia and wish to participate in the Educational Incentive Plan that pays for my tuition at any CUNY college, do I apply at a college office?
12. Are all dependents of veterans eligible to receive educational benefits?
13. Are any services available to veterans with disabilities?
14. How can I get more information about services on campus, upcoming events, career information and specific information pertaining to Veterans?
15. I have additional questions.  Where may I go to ask them?

Who do I see on my campus about resources for student veterans?
The Office of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Center are here to assist you with your transition to Queensborough. If you have any questions/concerns about any part of the application, registration, or benefit/aid process please contact Kevin Stevens, Coordinator of Veterans Affairs, at Kstevens@qcc.cuny.edu or (718)281-5767.                                                                                                                                                           (Top of Page)

How do I know if I am eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance?
You may be eligible for VA educational assistance if: A) You are on, or were on active duty for at least two years, and received any honorably characterized discharge; B) You have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserves, and remain in good standing with your reserve unit; or C) You are a spouse or child of a veteran who died or was totally disabled while in military service.  CLICK HERE for more information about various benefits. For specific questions on choosing benefits and assistance with applying for benefits, students must contact the VA directly at 888-GI-BILL-1.
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What is considered full time enrollment at Queensborough Community College?
During the Fall and Spring semesters, full time enrollment equals a minimum of 12 credits.  Although remedial courses have 0 credits, they do have equated credits, which are counted toward full time enrollment.  Course options and credits are reviewed during your Academic Advisement appointment.  Students must be enrolled in courses that are required toward their curriculum in order to receive benefits. 
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What happens if I drop or withdraw from a course during the semester?
If you drop or withdraw from a course during the semester, you must notify the Certifying Officials so that they can inform the VA of the changes.  Failure to notify the Certifying Officials in a timely manner could result in an overpayment by the VA and reimbursement by the student. 
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I have registered for courses and am now waiting for my benefits to be processed. How do I prevent my courses from being dropped while waiting?
Student veterans must receive a Tuition Deferment in order to prevent courses from being dropped while awaiting benefits.  To obtain a Tuition Deferment, please contact the Certifying Officials on campus.  
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There seems to be a discrepancy with my bill.  Who do I contact on campus to ask about this?
All questions or concerns regarding your bill should be directed to the Office of the Bursar, located in the Administration Building, Rm. 118.
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How do I know if I am taking courses that are required in my major/curriculum?
Students will be notified via Tigermail each semester regarding scheduling an appointment for advisement with Office of Veterans Affairs-QCC.  When you meet with the Office of Veterans Affairs here at QCC, they will assist you with choosing courses that are required in your curriculum. 

To schedule an appointment for advisement with the Office of Veterans Affairs please call 718-281-5767.

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Is it possible to attain college credit for military service?
Veterans who are matriculated students may earn up to 18 credits in United States Armed Forces Institute courses, in which they have passed final exams, and for other military education and training. The decision regarding the granting of credit for these courses reside with the individual colleges. An official transcript must be sent to the Office of Admissions.   
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Are VA educational benefits taxable?
No, veteran's benefits, paid under any law and administered by the VA should not be reported as income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)  
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What happens if I am activated during the semester?
If you are activated during a semester, you have a number of options open to you depending upon the length of the deployment. You should first discuss this situation with your advisor and instructors to help you decide upon a course of action. The options available to you would range from special arrangements for make-up work, to an incomplete grade, to withdrawal from a course or semester. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would pay you educational assistance benefits up to the date you withdraw or resign from a course or semester. For more information see:  http://www.cuny.edu/about/resources/veterans/active-duty.html     
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If I am a member of the New York State Air/Army National Guard or New York State Naval Militia and wish to participate in the Educational Incentive Plan that pays for my tuition at any CUNY college, do I apply at a college office?
No, you must apply through your unit for the New York State Educational Incentive Plan using DMNA Form 96-1. You can then obtain a Tuition Deferment, and must inform the bursar that the NYS Department of Military & Naval Affairs will be making payments.   
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Are all dependents of veterans eligible to receive educational benefits?
No, only dependents who are eligible for Chapter 35, Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program are may be considered for benefits. Chapter 35 provides educational assistance to the spouses and children of veterans who died while on active duty or were totally disabled due to their military experience. Eligibility questions should be directed to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by calling 888-GI-Bill-1.    
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Are any services available to veterans with disabilities?
Vocational Rehabilitation services are available through the VA for veterans with disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation Services are available to full- and part-time students who have at least a 20% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These services include payment for tuition, fees and a monthly stipend. In addition, reasonable accommodations and support services are available to veterans with disabilities through QCC’s Services for Students with Disabilities.  This office is located in the Science Building, Rm. 132 and can be reached by calling 718-631-6257.
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How can I get more information about services on campus, upcoming events, career information and specific information pertaining to Veterans?
All QCC students have their own QCC email account, called Tigermail.  Tigermail is the means by which information is transmitted to students on campus.  It is very important that students create and check their Tigermail accounts regularly for information being dispersed.  Veteran specific information is continually sent to you through your Tigermail account.  This includes information on jobs, veterans’ benefits, enrollment information, and more.  You may create your Tigermail account by visiting: http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/ and clicking on “Tigermail”.  In addition, students may also obtain information by visiting the Office of Veterans Affairs here at QCC and the Veterans Center in the lower level of the Student Union. (http://www.qcc.cuny.edu/veterans/)
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I have additional questions.  Where may I go to ask them?
You may call, email or visit the Office of Veterans Affairs here at QCC with any questions or concerns that you may have.  The the Office of Veterans Affairs here at QCC and the Veterans' Center are located in the Student Union Building, Lower Level, Rooms 5 & 6.   If unable to visit our offices, you may call 718-281-5767 or you may submit a question on our website by  clicking on Contact Us.
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